Chancellor’s Address to Joint Session of the Maine Legislature

UMS Chancellor James Page addressed a Joint Session of the Maine Legislature outlining the progress made by Maine’s public universities on initiatives that support workforce development and on its continuing efforts in that regard. As part of his remarks, Chancellor Page recognized Emily Christiansen, a UMA Justice Studies student from Kennebec County who is pursuing her education online while working and raising a family.

Emily, a student veteran, attended as Chancellor Page’s guest and was accompanied by UMA President Rebecca Wyke, UMA Assistant Professor of Justice Studies Sharon McMahon Sawyer, and Kennebec County Sheriff Ken Mason.

In addition to pursuing her studies, Emily is employed as a Sergeant of the Transport Division for the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office and is a wife and mother of five children. The UMA Justice Studies program, a fully online program, provides flexibility for students seeking a degree and needing to meet family and work obligations. Upon completing her education, Emily envisions seeking opportunities that will allow her to continue her commitment to public service.

Testimony at Legislative Hearing

Samantha Brown, a UMA student veteran, testified on behalf of the University of Maine System’s portion of the State budget, providing legislators with an overview of her experiences and perspectives. A Biology major, Samantha explained how the faculty and staff at UMA understood the needs of adult learners, like herself, who have family and work obligations and how UMA supported her as she pursues her educational goals. While at UMA she is taking part in a trip to the Dominican Republic led by Associate Professor Susan Baker. Upon graduation, Samantha intends to continue her education by becoming an osteopathic doctor. Samantha, her husband and children reside in St. Albans.

Chancellor James Page presented the UMS budget to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, which met in conjunction with Committee Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. Andrew Silbsy, President and CEO of Kennebec Savings Bank and Chair of Â鶹APP Board of Visitors, among others provided statements in support of the public higher education funding initiatives contained in the proposed budget.

Additionally, UMA nursing student Danielle Doyon provided impressive and compelling testimony on behalf of a bill to fund the state’s nursing educator loan program. This is an important bill for nursing students at UMA and throughout the University of Maine System. Also testifying on behalf of the bill was Rosa Redonnett, UMS Chief Student Affairs Officer.  If passed, the additional funding could help remove a pinch point in Maine’s nursing workforce pipeline.

Revised 4/12/19

These students were recognized as part of Â鶹APP 2018 Convocation ceremony held at the Augusta Civic Center on September 21st. Journalist and author Ben Bradlee Jr. delivered the keynote address and spoke about The Boston Globe’s investigation into the sexual abuse scandal that rocked the Catholic Church in 2002, which he oversaw as editor of that newspaper.

Launched in 2011, Rising Scholars are UMA students who are nominated by faculty and staff members for both academic achievement and promise.

UMA President Rebecca Wyke and Provost Joseph Szakas recognized both new and returning Rising Scholars during the Convocation ceremony.

Local Rising Scholars from Saco recognized at the event included Molly Palmer, Kelley Herrick and Savina Hutchinson.

UMA has eight centers statewide which provide centralized services to students and faculty engaged in online and distance education courses. Centers are located in Brunswick, East Millinocket, Ellsworth, Houlton, South Paris, Rockland, Rumford, and Saco. Students access the resources of UMA while studying at their local Center, pursuing a mix of online and traditional classroom instruction while staying close to home.

Â鶹APP Saco Center is located at 4 Scamman St. in Saco, directly next to Shaw’s Supermarket.

For more information about the degrees and certificates that are available at UMA Saco, call 282-4111 or visit the UMA Saco Center web page.

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